RJC Therapeutic Courts

What are Therapeutic Courts?

Therapeutic Courts offer an alternative to traditional criminal sentencing by addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior, such as substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and behavioral issues. Through structured treatment, supervision, and judicial oversight, these courts aim to support long-term recovery, reduce recidivism, and promote public safety.

The Reno Justice Court Therapeutic Court programs provide evidence-based interventions designed to help participants achieve stability and avoid further interactions with the criminal justice system. Our programs focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, recognizing that many individuals involved in the criminal justice system struggle with complex personal and social challenges.

Proven Benefits of Therapeutic Courts

According to the Multi-Site Adult Drug Court Evaluation[1], Therapeutic Courts have demonstrated significant success in reducing substance use and criminal behavior. Key findings include:

Therapeutic Court participants were significantly less likely to use illicit substances (56% vs. 76% in comparison groups) and serious drugs (41% vs. 58%).
Participants in Therapeutic Courts committed fewer crimes (40% vs. 53%) and reported a substantial decrease in property-related offenses, drug possession, and DUI incidents.
The likelihood of re-arrest was reduced, contributing to long-term public safety.
Therapeutic Courts offer a return on investment, generating an average of $5,680 to $6,208 per participant by reducing future criminal justice costs and victimization expenses.

[1] Rossman, Shelli B., John K. Roman, Janine M. Zweig, Michael Rempel, and Christine H. Lindquist. The Multi-Site Adult Drug Court Evaluation: Executive Summary. Washington, DC: Urban Institute, Justice Policy Center, 2011. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, Award No. 2003-DC-BX-1001.

Our Therapeutic Court Programs

The Reno Justice Court offers three Therapeutic Court programs:

C.A.P. Court (Court Assistance Program): Designed for individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
DUI Court: Focused on high-risk DUI offenders who require structured treatment and monitoring.
H.E.R. Court (Hope, Empowerment, Recovery): Designed for women who have a history of trauma which has contributed to criminal behavior.

Each of these programs provides participants with structured supervision, individualized treatment plans, and a dedicated team of professionals, including judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors, case managers, and treatment providers.

The Therapeutic Court Team

Judge – Leads the program and helps participants stay on track with rewards, support, or consequences.
Therapeutic Court Clinician – Conducts clinical assessments to determine the right level of therapeutic intervention for a participant.
Public Defender – Makes sure the participant's legal rights are protected.
Prosecutor – Makes sure the program is safe and fair for everyone.
Program Coordinator – Keeps everything running smoothly.
Therapeutic Court Case Manager – Works closely with the participant to connect them with services, checks on progress, and provides support through ups and downs.
DAS Probation Officer – Checks in with participants, does home visits, and helps participants stay focused on their goals.
DAS Case Manager – Keeps track of drug tests and fees, and works with the participant's probation officer to help them stay focused on their goals.
Court Clerk – Keeps track of the participant's court dates and what happens in court.
Court Bailiff – Keeps everyone safe in court and helps participants stay focused on their goals.

Program Structure

Therapeutic Court operates on a structured, phased approach:

Phase 1 - Acute Stabilization (30-60 days): Participants receive clinical assessments, stabilize acute symptoms, and begin treatment engagement.
Phase 2 - Psychosocial Stabilization (90 days): Focus on developing healthy routines and treatment consistency.
Phase 3 - Prosocial Habilitation (90-120 days): Participants work on building positive relationships and behaviors.
Phase 4 - Life Skills Development (90-180 days): Emphasis on employment, education, and independent living skills.
Phase 5 - Recovery Management (90 days): Participants implement long-term recovery plans and prepare for graduation.

Making a Referral

Attorneys and court professionals can refer individuals to Therapeutic Courts if they believe a participant may benefit from structured treatment and judicial supervision. Eligible individuals must have an active criminal case and meet program criteria. To make a referral contact the Therapeutic Court team for further assistance.

Why Choose Therapeutic Courts?

Evidence-based treatment tailored to individual needs
Strong judicial oversight with accountability measures
Access to comprehensive support services, including mental health care, substance use treatment, and social services
Reduction in future criminal behavior and improvement in overall community safety
A structured path to recovery and reintegration into society
Potential for case dismissal upon successful completion of a Therapeutic Court program

Contact Us

For general program questions, feedback, or concerns, please contact the Specialty Court Coordinator: Emily Ruff, eruff@washoecounty.gov; 775-325-6532